A group of Midlands-based aerospace firms has recorded its busiest ever year at a leading international air show.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Aerospace Forum (CWAF) – which is made up of 13 manufacturing businesses across the region – finalised more than £70 million of new orders at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow.

The five-day show also saw members secure several long-term agreements to supply parts to global civil aviation companies off the back of meetings held by CWAF members throughout the show.

CWAF member Arrowsmith Engineering also retained the SC21 Award which was presented to them at the Airshow – recognising the firm’s achievements in retaining ongoing delivery, quality and productivity levels.

This is the third year that CWAF has partnered with Coventry City Council and the Midlands Aerospace Alliance to have a presence at the Farnborough International Airshow.

It comes off the back of CWAF recording an average growth of 20 per cent in turnover in 2017, adding £13 million revenue to the collective £65 million turnover generated in 2016.

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Jason Aldridge, CWAF Chairman and Managing Director of Arrowsmith Engineering, said: “It is now imperative for our members to enter into long-term agreements with global customers to avoid any instant negative impact when Brexit is invoked, and the achievements at this year’s show is an encouraging start.

“Work is still being won in Europe, but over the coming months we will be assessing potential new work in other areas, such as Asia to supplement our existing work in the EU and cover all bases.

“The show also reinforced that a heavy focus for our members for the year ahead is to improve working productivity to accommodate more orders, so it was encouraging to see existing members ANT Industries and Techno Set joining Arrowsmith in signing up for the SC21 Competitiveness and Growth programme.

“Attending Farnborough is all about showing the world what Midlands manufacturers and engineers can offer the global aerospace industry, and we are grateful to our partners in helping us to have a presence on this world stage.”

CWAF has also received assistance through Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme that is part funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration at Coventry City Council, added: “Coventry has a long and proud association with the aerospace industry and it is wonderful to see our companies doing so well.

“Their success shows the strength of our companies and our skilled workforce and how highly regarded they are around the world.

“Coventry is famous for its manufacturing, its research and design, and companies like this are helping to attract investment and jobs and show everyone what a bright future our city has.

“Congratulations to them and our thanks for representing Coventry and the West Midlands so well at such a prestigious event.”